As the Bay of Plenty gears up for the festive season, Surf Life Saving New Zealand is reminding beachgoers to be prepared before hitting New Zealand's favourite summer playground.

For many people the Christmas holidays marks the first chance to spend time at the beach, but SLNZ officials advise taking time out to carefully plan your destination and make sure water safety is taken into consideration.

Surf lifesavers patrol the beach. Photo: File.

Chief executive Paul Dalton says learning about the risks and preparing yourself will mean everyone can enjoy the summer.

'Check the beach conditions before leaving home,” he says, 'and make sure you are choosing a patrolled beach where you can swim between the flags and feel safe in the knowledge that there are highly skilled lifeguards on hand.”

Paul says many of the rescues last season took place outside of patrol hours and outside of the flagged area.

'If you can't get yourself to one of the many patrolled beaches nationwide, then look at alternative beach destinations that may not be affected by large surf such as the inner harbour,” he adds.

According to SLNZ, if you spot someone in trouble at an unpatrolled beach, people are to ensure their own safety and follow the drowning chain of survival.

When you recognise distress, ask someone to call for help and dial 111. Find a flotation device to prevent submersion and remove the person from the water only if it's safe to do so. Provide care as needed and seek medical attention immediately.

This summer there will be about 4000 surf lifesavers on duty at around 80 beaches nationwide, committed to helping make the national playground as safe as possible.

Volunteer lifeguards will spend more than 200,000 hours keeping a watchful eye on these beaches. During an average summer, about 1200 people are rescued from life threatening situations.

While swimming between the flags is a well-known message, SLNZ also encourages people to adhere to a few simple rules; be prepared, watch out for yourself and others, be aware of the dangers and know your limits.

SLNZ is an essential rescue service as well as a charity that relies on the support of the community and its partners to continue its work of keeping Kiwis safe on the beaches every season.

Water Safety Tips:

Find a beach that is patrolled- be prepared (www.findabeach.co.nz).

Listen to the advice of lifeguards.

Always keep an eye on children in the water.

Get a friend to swim with you- never swim or surf alone.

Stay between the flags.

Watch out for that rip. Rips are calm patches of water that can sometimes have waves breaking to the side. Rippled, discoloured or foamy water with debris can also mean there is a rip present.

Be smart around rocks: Whether fishing or exploring at the beach, rocky outcrops can be very dangerous in large surf.

When fishing, always wear a lifejacket. Never stand on a rock outcrop that is already wet (a sure sign waves will be washing over it) and always face the ocean; never turn your back on the sea.